Is There Something Like A Blue Book For Used Boat Values

[jbinbi]

Mods: not sure what forum to put this in, please move if not appropriate..

I am looking at some used boats, but really don't know what prices are appropriate.

Is there some resource, like kelly blue for cars, but for sailboats?

Thanks.

[oldragbaggers]

NADA
Power boat, Sailboat Prices & Personal Watercraft Values – NADAguides

[Cheechako]

Some of the more popular/higher production models are listed by NADA. I prefer to search the internet for old listings etc and try to establish what the last listed price was when a boat was sold, how the price moved down over time, or if a boat has been for sale a long time... and not sold. Comparing all those can give some idea.... but you need to look at the details too. was it a loaded crème puff , or a boat in need of a bunch of work? These details can help you when making an offer too. "This boat is $52k asking... one sold 6 months ago for less than $27k (last listed price) I'm willing to go $32k maybe..." Brokers are too lazy to figure out the real story.... so use it to your advantage...

[sardinebreath]

NADA is useless, at least for sailboats. BUC will put you in the ballpark but it's a pay service. Nothing replaces watching specific boats for sale over time and when possible contacting the previous or new owner to find out what it finally sold for (you might be surprised at how many are willing to share). If you find a really good broker you can trust to represent you they can get you a lot of info about what boats are actually selling for. My experience has been that the majority of YW starting asks start at 25%-40% over what they reasonably might be expected to sell for--often more. Owners often start out trying to get back every penny that they put in. Maybe they figure it's worth a try. But I've watched boats sit for 18 months without nibbles. Remember that it's still a buyers market. Keep an eye on any boat that your interested in and after it's been on the market for six months or so, any reasonable offer is going to be considered.

[delmarrey]

The variables are too relative. One mans gold is another mans junk, and visa versa.
That's what surveys are for. Pictures and words mean nothing w/o an experienced assessment of the condition of a boat and its insurability.

Boats are not like cars. Mileage means nothing but refitting does.
Cars have to be rebuilt classics to regain value.
Boats have to be modernized to regain value.

[LTDsailing]

Working with a good broker is the best way to find out the real price a boat should be going for. If the broker you are working with is too lazy to do the homework - find another broker!

[belizesailor]

Note: you can register for a freebie account on BUC with limited functionlity which allows you to look up valuations.

[Tom and Maje]

I can recommend an excellent broker who will really look out for your interests. PM me if you want his name.

Maje

[IntoMyHealth]

Soldboats.com is great as it shows actual sales related to model, year, and geography. A membership is required and it's not cheap. Something like $400 for the year. That may be worth it to you. While we we're shopping I had no problem asking the broker for a soldboats.com report for any given model with any requested filter.


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[bsurvey]

BUC research soldboats.com for a price gives you the actual pure market value, the actual selling price
hire a marine surveyor do to a valuation on what you are looking for

do not trust a broker he's in it for his 10%

[gonesail]

funny how when a boat is listed by a broker it suddenly becomes 10% or 20% more valuable than it would be if sold by the owner.